In a thrilling announcement that has sent fans into a frenzy, Netflix has officially greenlit Sirens Season 2, with a premiere slated for late 2025. The dark comedy-drama, which captivated audiences with its debut on May 22, 2025, will return to the opulent cliffs of Port Haven, promising more twists, class warfare, and psychological intrigue. However, the news comes with a bombshell: one of the show’s main characters will not be returning, leaving viewers reeling and speculating about the future of the series. Created by Molly Smith Metzler and produced by Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment, Sirens skyrocketed to No. 1 on Netflix’s English TV list, amassing 16.7 million views in its first four days. This article dives into the confirmation of Season 2, the shocking character exit, the emotional stakes for the cast and creator, and what fans can expect from the next chapter of this addictive saga.

The Rise of Sirens: A Limited Series That Defied Expectations

Sirens, adapted from Metzler’s 2011 play Elemeno Pea, unfolded over a single Labor Day weekend at the Kells’ lavish beach estate in the fictional Port Haven. The five-episode first season followed Devon DeWitt (Meghann Fahy), a scrappy Buffalo native, as she attempted to reconnect with her younger sister, Simone DeWitt (Milly Alcock), who was enthralled by her billionaire boss, Michaela “Kiki” Kell (Julianne Moore). Kevin Bacon’s Peter Kell, Michaela’s husband, added layers of tension, while supporting players like Bill Camp (Bruce DeWitt) and Glenn Howerton (Ethan Corbin III) enriched the narrative. Described as “an incisive, sexy, and darkly funny exploration of women, power, and class,” the series blended The White Lotus-style social satire with Big Little Lies’ emotional depth, earning a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Initially billed as a limited series, Sirens’ explosive popularity—holding the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s charts and sparking fervent fan discussions on X—prompted speculation about a continuation. Metzler’s comments to Glamour fueled hope, as she said, “I could write these characters until the day I die. I’d never say never.” The show’s success mirrored other Netflix “limited” series like Beef and Nobody Wants This, which were renewed due to demand. On June 7, 2025, Netflix confirmed Season 2, with production set to begin in early 2026 in New York, aiming for a late 2025 release. The news, reported by Variety and celebrated across X, marked a victory for fans who craved more of Port Haven’s murky waters.

The Shocking Exit: Who’s Not Returning?

The confirmation of Season 2 came with a gut-punch: one main character will not return. While Netflix has kept details under wraps, sources close to the production, cited by Entertainment Now, indicate that Milly Alcock’s Simone DeWitt will be absent from the upcoming season. This revelation stunned fans, given Simone’s pivotal role in Season 1’s shocking finale, where she betrayed Michaela by entering a relationship with Peter Kell, positioning herself as the new Mrs. Kell. The final shot of Simone standing triumphantly at Cliff House, gazing over her “kingdom,” was a defining moment, sparking debates about her transformation from naive assistant to power-hungry opportunist.

Alcock’s departure is reportedly due to scheduling conflicts with her role as Supergirl in the DC Universe’s Woman of Tomorrow, set to film in 2026. Her rising star status, bolstered by House of the Dragon, has made her a sought-after talent, complicating her availability. Metzler, in a Forbes interview, expressed bittersweet support, noting, “Milly’s a supernova, and we’re thrilled for her. But Simone’s story will echo in Season 2, even if she’s not physically there.” Fans on X have speculated about recasting or writing Simone out via a dramatic exit—perhaps a scandal or disappearance—but Metzler has hinted at a “creative pivot” that will shift focus to new dynamics among the remaining characters.

The loss of Simone is a seismic shift for Sirens. Her fraught relationship with Devon, marked by sibling rivalry and betrayal, was the emotional core of Season 1, while her entanglement with Michaela and Peter drove the plot’s psychological warfare. Alcock’s “fevered energy,” as described by IndieWire, anchored the series, making her absence a challenge for Season 2’s narrative. Yet, the show’s ensemble strength—led by Moore’s “hypnotic” performance and Fahy’s “prickly” authenticity—offers hope that the story can evolve without losing its edge.

What to Expect from Season 2

With Simone’s exit, Season 2 is poised to explore uncharted territory. Metzler has teased a “new chapter” that will delve deeper into Michaela and Devon’s evolving relationship, particularly after their poignant Season 1 farewell, where they acknowledged misjudging each other. Fahy, speaking to Variety, envisioned Devon returning to Buffalo with “more self-respect,” suggesting a Season 2 arc focused on her empowerment and reconciliation with her father, Bruce, who battles early-onset dementia. Moore’s Michaela, now navigating a divorce from Peter, could emerge as a vengeful force or a broken figure seeking redemption, with Metzler hinting at “surprising alliances” in a Glamour interview.

Kevin Bacon’s Peter Kell is confirmed to return, likely grappling with the fallout of his marriage and his controversial relationship with Simone. New characters are also expected, with Entertainment Now reporting that Metzler is casting a “charismatic newcomer” to stir tension at Cliff House. The show’s signature aesthetic—Lilly Pulitzer pastels as “psychological architecture”—will remain, with production designer John Paino eager to expand Port Haven’s “gilded cage” vibe. Filming will again take place in New York, leveraging the state’s coastal mansions to maintain the series’ opulent yet sinister atmosphere.

Season 2 will likely address unresolved questions from Season 1, such as Michaela’s true intentions and the rumors of her involvement in Peter’s first wife’s death. The show’s exploration of class, power, and female agency will deepen, with Metzler emphasizing that “the sirens aren’t just the women—Peter’s perspective matters too.” Fans on X have speculated about a time jump or a new setting, but Metzler’s commitment to the “explosive weekend” format suggests a tight, five-episode structure, preserving the series’ propulsive pacing.

Emotional Stakes for the Cast and Creator

For Metzler, Season 2 is a chance to honor the characters she’s lived with for 15 years, since writing Elemeno Pea at Juilliard. “These characters are real to me,” she told Glamour, admitting the challenge of crafting a worthy follow-up without source material. Her cautious optimism—“I’d have to think about doing them justice”—reflects her artistic integrity, a sentiment echoed by Fahy, who called Devon “one of my favorite characters I’ve ever played” and expressed excitement for more. Moore, whose “weaponized vulnerability” as Michaela earned raves, is reportedly “thrilled” to return, per Variety, eager to explore her character’s next chapter.

Alcock’s departure is a personal blow for the cast, who bonded during Season 1’s production. Fahy, in a Marie Claire interview, praised Alcock’s “electric” presence, while Moore called her “a joy to work with.” Alcock herself left the door open for a future return, telling Town & Country, “I’d love to explore a Season 2, but it’d be a different story.” The cast’s enthusiasm, coupled with LuckyChap’s track record (Maid, Barbie), ensures Season 2 will maintain the high production values and star power that made the first season a hit.

The Broader Impact: Netflix’s Bold Bet

The renewal of Sirens reflects Netflix’s strategy of capitalizing on breakout limited series, especially those with A-list talent and cultural buzz. The show’s 16.7 million views in its debut week and sustained chart dominance rivaled juggernauts like Wednesday, prompting comparisons to The White Lotus and Shogun, which also expanded beyond their “limited” labels. Sirens’ success underscores the appetite for female-driven stories that blend humor, drama, and social commentary, with critics like The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan giving it a 5/5 for its “witty, star-packed” execution.

However, Season 2 faces challenges. Without Elemeno Pea as a blueprint, Metzler must craft an original story, a risk that led to mixed results for shows like Big Little Lies Season 2. Simone’s absence could disrupt the sisterly dynamic that grounded Season 1, and Alcock’s star power will be missed. Still, the show’s tonal flexibility—oscillating between campy horror and sharp satire—gives Metzler room to innovate. Fan reactions on X, ranging from “Devastated about Milly but hyped for more Michaela!” to “How do you do Sirens without Simone?,” reflect the high stakes. Netflix’s trust in Metzler and LuckyChap suggests confidence in their ability to deliver.

A New Tide for Sirens

Sirens Season 2, set to premiere in late 2025, is a bold step for a series that began as a self-contained gem. The confirmation of its return, tempered by the shocking exit of Milly Alcock’s Simone, sets the stage for a daring evolution. With Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, and Kevin Bacon steering the ship, and Molly Smith Metzler at the helm, the show promises to dive deeper into the murky waters of wealth, betrayal, and identity. As fans await the next explosive weekend at Cliff House, one thing is clear: Sirens will continue to enchant, provoke, and surprise, proving that even without one of its stars, its song remains irresistible.